Organize your stay Scotland
Money Scotland
Banks: Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm/5pm. The traditional Scottish banks are the Royal Bank of Scotland, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank which issue £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. There are also foreign banks in Scotland (mainly in Edinburgh and Glasgow). They are listed in the yellow pages (you can get their contact information by visiting www.yell.com).
Currency exchange: in general, please note that exchange fees can be multiplied by five from one exchange office to another (these fees are often already included in the posted exchange rate) in France and abroad. Therefore, you should use a bank card. For withdrawals, but also for payments by card, the exchange rate used for the operations is generally more interesting than the rates charged in the exchange offices.
Loss or theft of your bank card: in case of loss or theft of your card abroad, your bank will offer you adequate solutions so that you can continue your stay in complete peace of mind. To do this, remember to take note before you leave of the assistance number indicated on the back of your bank card or available on the Internet. This service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. In case of opposition, it is immediate and confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number. Otherwise, the cancellation is recorded, but you must confirm the cancellation to your bank by fax or registered letter.
Advice before departure: remember to inform your bank advisor of your trip. He or she can check with you to see if your payment and withdrawal limits have been set. If necessary, ask for an exceptional authorization to increase the limit. This precaution is also useful to avoid having your account blocked, because your bank will have mistaken your withdrawals abroad for piracy.
Withdrawals: In general, the way ATMs are used is the same as in France. If the French language is not available, select English. "Withdrawal" is then called " withdrawal ". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, choose checking account. Between a debit or credit transaction, select "debit". (If you make a mistake in these options, don't worry, the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). ) Indicate the amount you would like to pay and confirm (" enter "). To the question " Would you like a receipt?", answer " Yes " and keep your receipt carefully.
Withdrawal fees: as the euro is not the currency of the country, a commission is retained for each withdrawal. Withdrawal fees vary from bank to bank and generally consist of a fixed fee of 3 euros on average and a commission of between 2 and 3% of the amount withdrawn. Some banks have partnerships with foreign banks or allow you to benefit from their network and offer you advantageous fees or even free withdrawals. Ask your bank advisor for more information. Please note that some ATMs may charge a commission, in which case it will be mentioned at the time of withdrawal.
Cash advance cash advance: if you have reached your withdrawal limit or your card is malfunctioning, you can benefit from a cash advance. This service is offered by most major banks and allows you to withdraw cash by simply presenting your card at the counter of a bank, whether it is your own or not. You will often be asked for identification. In general, the cash advance limit is the same as the withdrawal limit, and the two are cumulative (if your limit is set at €500, you can withdraw €1,000: €500 at the ATM, €500 in cash advance). As for the cost of the operation, it is the same as for a withdrawal abroad.
Budget & Tips Scotland
Some online bank cards offer free foreign withdrawals. No commission or fixed fees will be applied, which can represent a very interesting saving.
Passport and visas Scotland
Please note that since October 21, 2021, a passport is mandatory for a stay in Great Britain. It must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Those under 18 years of age traveling without their parents must not only have a valid passport, but also an authorization to leave the territory issued by their police station or town hall.
Driver's license Scotland
License: French driver's license is sufficient, provided the driver is over 23 years old and has held the license for more than 4 years. A fee will be charged for those under 25 years old. With some car rental companies, the age limit may be 25 years old.
Car rental: Most car rental companies require a "credit" on the credit card or a surcharge will apply. Exorbitant deductibles may also offset a low rental price. Our smart advice is to go with Arnold Clark (www.arnoldclark.com) and the big names in international car rental (Sixt, Avis, Alamo, Hertz, Europcar). Avoid discount car rental companies where unpleasant surprises and extra costs can quickly add up.
Health Scotland
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Pasteur Institute medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
Mandatory vaccination Scotland
For more information, you can visit the Ministry of Health website (www.sante.gouv.fr) to find out which vaccination centers are near you.
Time difference Scotland
There is only a one hour time difference in the UK. Summer and winter, there is one hour less in our neighbors across the Channel. So we gain one hour at the arrival, practical.
Spoken languages Scotland
In Scotland, we obviously speak English and Scottish Gaelic, but we learn French at school.
Electricity and measurements Scotland
Electricity: The voltage in Scotland is 230 volts, hotels and B&Bs are usually equipped with 220-110 volt plugs for electric shavers. These plugs are three-pronged and therefore require an adapter.
Weights and measures: 1 mile: about 1.609 km - 1 pint: 142 deciliters - 1 pound: 470 g - 1 pound: 453 g. The rather recent adoption of the metric system is becoming more widespread.
Luggage Scotland
As the weather is variable in Scotland, it is best to take a K-way for rain in any season. It is often said, but you can have the 4 seasons in one day. It is necessary to take hiking shoes, it would be a pity to miss the enchanting panoramas. If you are afraid of mosquitoes or midges, take long sleeves.
